International Health Insurance in Brazil

Global Medical Insurance for Foreigners in Brazil

Brazil is popular with expats for the warm climate, friendly culture, and economic opportunities. A large percentage of foreigners living in Brazil settle in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Macaé, thanks to the number of employment options and strong infrastructure. And while it’s common for expats in Brazil to work in the oil and gas industry, as well as the financial sector, international citizens work in every imaginable field, from photography to teaching English to non-profit development projects. As expats in all industries and all regions of Brazil can attest, the country has a special magic to it but there are challenges as well. Here’s what foreigners living in Brazil need to know about Brazilian international health insurance.

Overview of the Brazilian National Health Insurance System – SUS

The Brazilian public healthcare system is known as the “United Health System” or SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) Healthcare in Brazil is a constitutional right. As such, the SUS is free and universal to all. The SUS health insurance program covers more people, across a greater continuous landmass, and operates more clinics and hospitals, than any other healthcare program in the world. Even people traveling to Brazil are covered, although for emergency services only. Approximately 80% of Brazilians rely on the SUS for all their care. 25% of the populace either augments their care with private insurance or relies on it alone.

Pros and Cons of Using the Local Health Insurance System

The biggest advantage of using the SUS health insurance system is that it’s free. There are no premiums, there are no patient surcharges, there are no additional fees. The SUS also has an extensive network of small hospitals across the country. For international citizens living in Brazil, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the SUS. You will one day inevitably have to navigate it. This is especially true if you’re in a rural area.

The standards and services of SUS facilities are often far below what expats are used to in other countries. Privacy is virtually non-existent. You will likely be in a room with several other people. Some expats report substandard levels of cleanliness and hygiene. Others report that their hospital visits brought them a diagnosis but no treatment and had to seek out antibiotics and pain medication at a pharmacy on their own.

In short: Things aren’t always seamless. Nor are they at the standard that expats would hope for.

How Foreigners Living in Brazil Can Qualify For Health Insurance

Brazil has bilateral agreements with Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Cape Verde which guarantees access to medical services for foreigners who pay into the INSS social security system.

All foreign citizens with legal residency status (including those with permanent residency, those on work visas, and international students) can apply for SUS insurance. You’ll be required to present your passport, work papers, and all supporting documentation when you apply.

Some employers may offer locally sourced private insurance as part of an employee compensation program. This is a nice perk to have but, as many Brazilians can tell you, some of the local private facilities aren’t necessarily much better than the public hospitals. The local private insurance system doesn’t guarantee private rooms or English speaking staff.

What You Need To Know About Paperwork and Bureaucracy

If there’s one thing that all international citizens agree on, it’s that bureaucracy in Brazil is a struggle for foreigners. The process of applying to have a residency permit reissued, for instance, is notorious for its paperwork and lines. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bureaucratic frustrations! This is especially true for expats who are used to planning and organizing every aspect of their relocation. Brazil’s less than linear paperwork process is exhausting. If at all possible, it helps tremendously to have a local friend or even a hired interpreter help you through visa renewals, applying for health insurance, and filling out hospital forms.

A local friend or interpreter can come in handy in more ways than one. Many expats report feeling seriously lost in their attempts to navigate everyday life in Brazil without speaking Portuguese. Unlike many countries, where English is the second language of both the healthcare system and everyday life, in Brazil it’s Spanish. Only about 5% of Brazilians speak English fluently. Hospitals which claim to offer English services may only have one or two staff members who speak the language. Just because there are some multilingual staff members it doesn’t mean that they’ll be taking care of your case. An international health insurance provider can help with translation when you’re in the hospital but having a local person by your side to help with language issues is a good idea.

Learning Portuguese is essential for foreigners needing to navigate Brazil’s healthcare and health insurance system – and everyday life. Start language lessons well before you move, if possible. Every little bit makes a difference.

Things You Need To Know When Considering Private Insurance

Patients who want to have private global medical insurance coverage can choose from local plans available in Brazil or international plans which they purchase before their trip. Local private health insurance plans in Brazil are more expensive than you might think – up to 30% more expensive than what’s sold in other Latin American countries. There is also no guarantee that the private facilities provided will be up to the standards that expats expect. Privacy and language services may be limited.

If you’re choosing private insurance because you want a support system to navigate the hospitals and clinics in English or because you want a simplified billing process, an international health insurance plan is the way to go.

Best Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners in Brazil

There are a number of great options for expatriate health insurance in Brazil. Foreigners are able to have worldwide coverage, including or excluding the USA while living in China. These plans provide coverage including hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient care, prescription medication, mental health, pre-existing condition coverage, evacuation benefits, and more.

Best Global Medical Insurance Plans in Brazil

Cigna Global Insurance was one of the first companies to offer expatriate or global medical insurance plans in Brazil and they remain a leading international provider. Their plans are modular so you can design a plan to fit your needs and your budget. Free Cigna Quote / Apply

Another option for coverage in Brazil is Aetna International – With more than 160 years of experience in healthcare, Aetna has specialized in international health benefits insurance for more than 55 years – with a growing global footprint to reach wherever you travel. They have been recognized with such prestigious awards as “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year.” Free Aetna Global Quote / Apply

Best Health Insurance for Americans in Brazil

If you are a US citizen looking for global medical insurance in Brazil that has an unlimited policy maximum, another plan option is the GeoBlue Xplorer. The GeoBlue Xplorer health plan is a premium plan for US citizens who travel to or from the United States for extended periods of business, leisure, and study. If you leave home for six months or more, your health and financial security are at serious risk because of significant gaps in most available insurance coverage and services. This risk is only heightened by limited knowledge of health and safety hazards around the world, including medical treatment from unfamiliar providers. For other Expats in Brazil, we would suggest reading Expatriate Health Insurance Questions and Answers.

How Routine Doctor Visits Work

The number of family physicians and general practitioners in Brazil is very low compared to other countries. Most doctors have a specialized area of work which they practice in. Patients can book their appointments directly with a specialist and they don’t need a referral from a family doctor.

Most people in Brazil only go to a general practitioner if they don’t know what’s wrong with them and thus need advice on which specialist to see. People will also visit a GP for general urgent health matters that aren’t a case for the emergency room (such as a bad cold).

How To Find A Family Physician in Brazil

If connecting with a family physician is important to you, speak with your embassy, colleagues, or local friends. Word-of-mouth referrals are a big part of Brazilian culture. A personal recommendation is always a good choice

Extra Things All Foreigners in Brazil Should Know

There are certain health concerns in Brazil that all international citizens should take into account when considering their travel plans and insurance coverage. Several areas of Brazil, including Porto Velho, Boa Vista, and Manaus, are in high malaria risk zones. Dengue fever is a risk as well. Speak to your doctor regarding preventative measures to avoid these problematic illnesses.

In Brasilia and all rural and jungle areas of Brazil, a yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended. While it’s not mandatory, being vaccinated is a very smart move.